What's the Diving like in Paphos?

Probably the most asked question for the qualified diver. Cyprus is a relatively little known dive destination compared to others and discovering its undersea riches continues to surprise even those of us who have had the fortune to dive here for decades! The geology of the island with its copper rich minerals and diverse coastal structure is mirrored underwater and has created the perfect breeding ground for Mediterranean flora & fauna and wildlife. Particularly fascinating are the breeding grounds of the Mediterranean Loggerhead Turtle, which can be found mostly along the Western coast, the most protected and well known being at Lara Bay just north of Paphos on the Akamas Peninsular. Sitting nicely between the continents of Asia, Europe and Africa, Cyprus enjoys a spectacular amount of bird migration each Spring and Autumn, all adding to the wonderful balance of biological life. Endemic species of plants (orchids) and animals (Moufflon) have developed here.

Surrounded by history, above and below the water

Paphos' important historical past is on display for all to see - one only has to take a walk in Paphos Harbour around the Mosaics, Byzantine Fort or visit the very first church to be established outside the Holy Land by the Apostle Saint Paul, to understand the quality of its historical heritage. It's not unusual to be reminded of this also underwater with amphora and byzantine pottery remnants often visible on the seabed. The original walls of Byzantine Paphos Harbour can still be seen (and dived!).

Being an island, one would expect a lively fishing industry here in Cyprus and the many fresh fish tavernas are a testimony to this. And where there are fishermen - there are fish! The most common: Sea Bream, Grouper, Octopus, Seahorse, Squid, Red Mullet, Bluefin Tuna, Dolphin, Flatworm, Trumpet fish, Parrot Fish, Moray Eel, Eagle Ray, Wrasse, Cuttlefish, Sea Urchin, Common Lobster, Barracuda and many more ....

Daily Dives

Sea Temperatures in January - March are the coolest at 16-17 C, rising to around 22 C by mid-May, steadily rising to 28 C by August.

Visibility up to 30-40 metres is common and sea conditions are good-excellent during Spring and Summer.

Diving in Paphos is of course a must-do activity for novices and the experienced alike. Here at Kalliopi Dive college, we arrange dives for certified divers on a daily basis. Transfers to our diving centre are between 8.30-9.am. There are opportunities to dive each morning and afternoon, and with a huge amount of local dive sites available, we visit up to 4 different dive sites each day. Never dived before - we also run Discover Scuba Diving programs on a daily basis, giving you the perfect introduction to the underwater world. For the younger children we can arrange Bubblemaker courses throughout the week, on a strict 1-to-1 basis. For those wanting to get qualified, we also have Scuba Diver and Open Water dives taking place daily.

Diving courses either start in the mornings at 9am or afternoons at 2pm.

Night dives begin at 8pm Summer and 6.30pm Winter.

2 dive trips to Zenobia shipwreck run twice weekly with a 6am start from Paphos and return around 3.30pm. Transfers, equipment as appropriate, tanks & weights are included on all dives.

We offer PADI, SSI & CMAS diving courses, daily scuba diving trips & dive packages as well as trips to the Zenobia shipwreck in Larnaca. We also offer approved, First Aid at Work First Aid Training Courses: Emergency First Aid at Work; First Aid at Work; Automated External Defibrillator and Pool Lifeguard through our parent company Ioakim & Ioakim Ltd. Visit the dedicated first aid training website: Kalliopi First Aid Training for full details and approved first aid training course programmes. Local trips and tours: Jeep Safaris to Akamas & Troodos; Horseriding in Paphos, Glass Bottom Boat trips and much more.